Sedona, Arizona, is located at the heart of the nearly 1.9 million acres of lovely Coconino National Forest. Here you’ll find a charming small town set squarely in the midst of a stunning landscape of remarkable red-rock formations. Every year visitors flock to Sedona from all over the world to enjoy its collection of breathtaking natural wonders, unique shops and restaurants, and mystical power vortexes—which are said to be sites of great spirituality and tranquility. Sedona is also within comfortable traveling distance from other significant attractions like Grand Canyon National Park, Wupatki National Monument, Grand Canyon West, and much more.
A tremendous number of guided tours are available in Sedona. No matter what you want to do and/or see in and around Sedona—or explore slightly farther afield in the greater Northern Arizona region—there is a tour to be found here that is just right for you and your traveling companions. Multiple tours depart daily from Sedona by bus, coach van, 4-wheel Jeep, and even helicopter. There are also multiple guided hiking tours available.
Despite its relatively modest size, Sedona is full of a pleasant mixture of shopping, dining, and lodging; you’ll find here all sorts of fun outings just right for a range of different budget types. However, Sedona is most famous for being home to a splendid array of iconic natural attractions. The list of acclaimed popular sites in the Sedona area is long and illustrious, and includes such famous spots as Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Honanki Ruins, and a great deal many others. Many of these beloved attractions can be enjoyed as part of an unforgettable excursion along the spectacular Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Even as there is much to enjoy just in and around Sedona, the town itself is situated within close proximity of several other prominent attractions. Most heralded of these would be the one-and-only Grand Canyon National Park, whose fabled South Rim is approximately 2 hours away to the north. The many pleasures of Flagstaff, Arizona, are just 30 miles to the north, and Grand Canyon West is about 4 hours to the northwest.
Popular Sedona Attractions:
Bell Rock: Located just south of Sedona along Red Rock Scenic Byway, near the village of Oak Creek, Bell Rock is consistently one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Sedona area. Hiking around Bell Rock is plentiful, and Courthouse Butte is situated right nearby, too.
Boynton Canyon: Boynton Canyon is a terrific example of a box canyon found not far from Sedona, Arizona. It’s best known for being the location of the trailhead for Boynton Canyon Trail, the popular hiking trail that bears its name. This 3-mile-long trail is quite beloved, famous for its inspiring views and native plant life.
Cathedral Rock: This beloved Sedona-area landmark is one of the most popular (and most photographed) attractions in all of Arizona. Here you can hike a short trail all the way to the famous red-rock butte’s summit, where you’ll have stunning views in all directions.
Chapel of the Holy Cross: Located just southeast of the heart of Sedona, Arizona, Chapel of the Holy Cross is a remarkable piece of modern architecture. A Roman Catholic chapel constructed right on the side/in the midst of one of Sedona’s iconic red-rock formations, this renowned structure is open daily for tours.
Doe Mountain: Found about 10 miles northwest of Sedona, Doe Mountain rises some 450 feet in the air. Its summit is accessible via a pleasant hike along Doe Mountain Trail. The top of Doe Mountain is a flat mesa, making it a great spot from which to enjoy panoramic views of the entire Sedona region.
Honanki Ruins: At Honanki Ruins you’ll have the opportunity to explore the remains of ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings that are believed to date all the way back to the 12th and/or 13th Century. A number of well-preserved examples of historical artifacts, including multiple pictographs and petroglyphs, are also found here.
Oak Creek Canyon: Oak Creek Canyon is a nearly 12-mile-long river gorge located just north of Sedona, Arizona. Considered one of the most scenic stretches of land in all of Arizona, near Oak Creek Canyon you’ll find tremendous recreational and photography opportunities, as well as the acclaimed Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive.
Palatki Ruins: Palatki Ruins are some of the largest examples of ancient cliff dwellings remaining in the American Southwest. Here you’ll find the ruins of pueblos built by the Sinagua people approximately 800-900 years ago, as well as archaeological artifacts such as pictographs and petroglyphs.
Red Rock Scenic Byway: Arizona State Route 179, better known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway, is one of the most beautiful roads found anywhere in the entire United States. Stretching for some 15 miles in and around the greater Sedona area, the Red Rock Scenic Byway runs straight through the heart of red-rock country.
Red Rock State Park: Red Rock State Park is a nearly 300-acre slice of stunning Arizona wilderness protected and operated under the guidance of the Arizona State Parks system. Here just south of Sedona, along the banks of Oak Creek, visitors can enjoy such activities as hiking and picnicking, as well as a variety of educational events, programs, and exhibits.
Soldier Pass and Brins Mesa: Soldier Pass and Brins Mesa are a pair of popular hiking trails found just north of downtown Sedona, Arizona. Both hikes are considered moderate excursions, and both trailheads are easily accessible. Along the way you’ll encounter terrific views, striking red-rock formations, and unique plant life.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village: Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is a shopping center located right in the heart of enchanting Sedona, Arizona. Prominently situated directly along Arizona State Route 179—better known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway—Tlaquepaque is built to resemble a traditional Mexican village, and is home to variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.